The global game market has seen exponential growth recently and is expected to reach a $635 billion market value by 2027 according to Research and Markets.
However, we can’t deny that this growth can result in greater resource usage and emissions. That can be a problem today, especially now that the world has a rising eco-consciousness.
True enough, many millennial and Gen Z gamers now prefer green venues. That’s pretty much why many game houses are starting to think that sustainability also makes business sense along with enhancing their public image.
The American Gambling Association’s 2021 State of the Industry Report found that environmental impact ranked second as an essential sustainability issue for gaming companies after responsible gambling.
This article explores how iGaming worldwide is proactively embracing environmental efficiency as a core priority.
Green Building and Infrastructure
The gaming sector is resource-intensive with its immense electricity and water usage. However, implementing green technologies like solar panels, green roofs, recycled construction materials, and LED lighting greatly reduces energy bills.
Eco-friendly credentials also attract the new generation of millennials who prefer greener leisure choices while gambling. Right now, we can’t deny that more and more gamblers are starting to prefer playing at a casino online. That’s because these online gambling platforms offer eco-friendly advantages, such as a lower carbon footprint.
Several casinos now feature LEED-certified Green Buildings integrating rainwater harvesting, natural lighting, and climate-responsive architecture.
An example is the Las Vegas City Center complex, the world's largest private Green development. This has offset over 40,000 metric tons of carbon emissions since 2009 thanks to its sustainable design.
Australian gambling Crown Perth also features one of the world's largest rooftop solar facilities spanning 2700 photovoltaic panels.
Renewable Energy and Resource Optimization
Transitioning to clean energy like solar, wind and geothermal heat allows casinos to drastically reduce emissions. Caesars Palace in Las Vegas features one of the largest free-span solar arrays in the region, spanning 30,000 sq ft in its convention hall parking. Because of that solar power now supplies up to 30% of overall energy to this leading casino group.
Strategies like heat and water recycling, eco-heating ventilation, bioswale drainage, and waste oil conversion also allow casinos to optimize the utilization of resources like energy, gas, and water. Automated energy tracking also facilitates resource usage reductions up to 20%.
Eco-Friendly Transportation
Gaming houses are taking proactive steps to reduce their carbon footprint by providing complimentary shuttles and promoting the use of electric vehicles through conveniently located charging stations.
These initiatives go beyond merely facilitating transportation for visitors and staff as they actively encourage the adoption of greener alternatives. And so, they are truly contributing to a substantial decrease in emissions associated with commuting.
By adopting a comprehensive approach to green mobility, casinos aim not only to enhance the environmental sustainability of their operations but also to foster a broader culture of eco-consciousness within the industry.
Community Partnerships
Beyond green structures, operators now invest in community initiatives like river clean-ups and tree plantations to offset environmental impacts. In partnership with waste agency ENTR, Las Vegas Sands helped divert over 250,000 tons of waste from landfills.
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is also teaming up with local groups for various sustainability events while consolidating its ISO 140001 certification. Such CSR efforts create positive publicity and long-term consumer rapport.
Innovation and Future Trends
The shift towards establishing fully sustainable operations presents challenges in both finances and operations, particularly for smaller businesses. Despite initial hurdles, their investment still pays off through substantial energy savings of up to 20-30% over time.
Collaborative efforts within the industry, sharing best practices, can also expedite the adoption of sustainable practices.
Looking to the future, the sustainability of casinos will hinge on intelligent resource management. This can be facilitated by real-time energy monitoring through the Internet of Things (IoT).
So, yes, brick-and-mortar casinos must maintain robust environmental efforts to remain competitive in appealing to the environmentally conscious target audience which includes millennials and Gen Zs.
Conclusion
The paradigm shift towards environmental sustainability is unmistakably evident as major casino operators revamp their business models. Many of them are starting to place ecological responsibility at the forefront.
Through the implementation of eco-friendly infrastructure, community partnerships, and cutting-edge smart technologies, the industry is indeed embracing innovative solutions to establish itself as a socially responsible recreational enterprise.
Anticipating a growing trend, more casinos are likely to tread the same path. While some may view these initiatives as driven by business motives, they nonetheless represent a significant stride toward fostering sustainability in the casino industry.
Disclaimer: This content is sponsored and does not reflect the views or opinions of Ground Report. No journalist is involved in creating sponsored material and it does not imply any endorsement by the editorial team. Ground Report Digital LLP. takes no responsibility for the content that appears in sponsored articles and the consequences thereof, directly, indirectly or in any manner. Viewer discretion is advised.
Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected].
Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, Follow our Youtube Channel for video stories.
Check out Climate Glossary to learn about important environmental terms in simple language.
Keep Reading
Tank under construction, dam under repair & Chanderi Village struggles for water?
Constructed wetlands can provide a solution for wastewater treatment
Indore Reviving Historic Lakes to Combat Water Crisis, Hurdles Remain
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2024 Emphasizes Women in Water Conservationadver